Bladder infections vs. yeast infections

Feb 19, 2018 | Kimberly Williams

Bladder infections vs. yeast infections: how are they related?

Bladder infections and yeast infections. One is enough, but when it rains, it pours. Bladder infections can ultimately lead to yeast infections. Here’s what you need to know about the link between the two and how to steer clear of them.

Finally, when you go to the bathroom, this urine is released from your bladder through your urethra and out of your body it goes!

What is a bladder infection or cystitis?

A bladder infection (cystitis) is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI occurs when harmful bacteria infect any part of your urinary tract (kidney, ureters, bladder, urethra). A bladder infection is a bacterial infection of,you guessed it, the bladder. So, while all bladder infections are UTIs, not all UTIs are bladder infections. Here’s more info on knowing the difference between a UTI and a bladder infection.

How do you get a bladder infection?

Bladder infections occur when bacteria travel up your urethra through to your bladder and begin to multiply. This could be from:

Holding in your pee for long amounts of time

Wiping from back to front (bacteria from your anus travel up your urethra)

Forgetting to urinate after sex

Hormonal changes from menopause

Diabetes or other illnesses that suppress the immune system

How do you treat a bladder infection?

Bladder infections are usually treated with antibiotics over 3 to 10 days. Antibiotics are effective because they kill the infection (harmful bacteria) but they also kill the good bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus).

That’s where the yeast infection link comes in.

While yeast lives in your vagina in small amounts, good bacteria balance the pH of your vagina and prevent yeast from growing out of control. Taking antibiotics increases your risk of a yeast infection because it kills the good bacteria. The cycle of UTIs and yeast infections seems never-ending. Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid a UTI in the first place which means no antibiotics and no yeast infections from antibiotics.

What is vaginal yeast, and what are yeast infection symptoms?

Yeast infections happen when yeast overgrows. Yeast is part of a healthy vaginal ecosystem, but when new yeast is introduced into the vaginal area or when the yeast present in the vagina overgrows because the regulating bacteria has been destroyed by antibiotics, it can result in a yeast infection. Symptoms include vaginal discharge, thick and whitish in color, itching in the vaginal area, and/or a burning sensation and pain during wiping or sex.

How can I avoid getting a yeast infection following a UTI?

In order to lessen the risk of a bladder infection remember to:

Drink plenty of water

Wipe from front to back

Urinate after sex

Avoid using douches, spermicidal lube or deodorant sprays on your genital area

Avoid holding your pee for a prolonged amount of time

Work Uqora into your routine in order to flush out UTI-causing bacteria when you’re at risk

See a doctor if you have a burning sensation when you urinate or if you have blood in your urine

Any home remedies for a yeast infection? What can I do to prevent a yeast infection even though I’m on antibiotics?

While it’s no guarantee you’ll dodge a yeast infection while on antibiotics, these measures can help:

Although there needs to be more research, eating yogurt or taking probiotics could help increase the growth of good bacteria in your vagina

Don’t hang out in damp, sweaty clothes after physical activity

Keep clothing loose, wear breathable underwear

Go ‘commando’ at night

Ditch the douche, feminine sprays, and scented products

At times, staying on top of your urinary health is easier said than done. Preventing a bladder infection means not having to use antibiotics, which means you’ll ultimately sidestep a yeast infection. While the tools listed above are important for reducing your risk of a bladder infection, Uqora can be that secret weapon when life throws you a curveball.

Prevent your next UTI

You guys... this stuff is a life saver.

"I suffered from CHRONIC UTIs and have had some pretty
serious repercussions from taking mass amounts of antibiotics.
I have not had a UTI since I started taking uqora. I drink it after things that are my triggers (sex in particular) and it stops it in it’s tracks!"
Lacey, Uqora customer